Meet our team

Our people. Their stories. Get acquainted with Sitecore.

Corporate Team

Michael Seifert, CEO

Michael started coding at age 11, and started his first IT company at age 15. Before (and during) college he was one of the principal developers of DikuMUD, an online multiplayer computer game serving millions of users, that was a predecessor to today’s massive role-playing video games such as “World of Warcraft”.

He completed his Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Human Computer Interaction (Copenhagen University) and went on to pursue advanced technical work with several Silicon Valley entrepreneurial companies in the U.S.

Michael was President of a successful multimillion dollar custom software development company for three years. He then envisioned the need for a Microsoft-centric system for creating and managing websites that could take the online experience far beyond the then present technology. In 2001 Michael, along with four fellow internet zealots, all well respected for their technical expertise, established Sitecore as a legal business entity. They introduced a product with functionality and appeal that was completely disruptive in the market, and which has evolved to be a market leader today. These five continue to be key contributors to the company, with Michael leading the business as CEO.

Michael is responsible for managing the global strategy, finance and operations for Sitecore, and has led our record-setting revenue growth and award-winning product direction.

Kim Elsass, CXO

Kim’s experience comes from many years creating results in global IT enterprises like NCR and ITT, as well as in US-based Dyneer and listed company Dansk Data Elektronik A/S. Following yearlong working and training stints in the UK and US within IT, Kim gained valuable experience in areas including Sales, Sales Management, Product Management, Product Marketing, Marketing, Corporate Communication and held various European management positions until co-founding a holistic Business Planning and Communications Agency, Elsass, Wagn & O A/S. During this period Kim co-founded several B-2-C e-businesses in which he is still active as Board Member. Kim is Academy Economist, and holds a CBA from The AVT School of Business.

Michael Tupanjanin, CRO

As Chief Revenue Officer, Michael is responsible for global sales and will lead the growth and expansion of all Sitecore’s global field operations and subsidiaries. Michael cares deeply about customer and partner engagement, is focused on aligning Sitecore’s processes to ensure an outstanding experience, and will further scale Sitecore’s operations by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its revenue generating customer and partner facing teams.

Michael is a results oriented, global leader who believes passionately in technologies which empower the Customer Experience. As Executive Vice President Global Operations at FAST Search & Transfer (OSLO BORS: FAST, acquired by Microsoft) Michael led the company from early stage, through a period of explosive growth, and managed a global team of over 500 people who negotiated and delivered groundbreaking and innovative website and search solutions for many of the world’s top brands. Michael continued to lead all commercial operations for FAST after its acquisition by Microsoft until the company was successfully integrated. Subsequently, Michael was appointed General Manager of Microsoft’s Digital Marketing & Search business. Michael’s other experiences include being the CEO of an early stage startup, VP of Corporate Development at Centra Software (NASDAQ: CTRA), and General Manager of Internet Business at CMP Media (NASDAQ: CMPX).

Ahmed Rubaie, CFO

As Chief Financial Officer, Ahmed is responsible for Sitecore’s global finances and operations.

Mr. Rubaie is a highly accomplished executive with extensive financial, operational and global business management experience. During 2013, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Fortinet Inc., a leading network security provider. He joined Fortinet in April of 2013, and played a key role in recovering the topline and stabilizing operational and financial matters. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ariba Inc., a leading cloud-based business to business commerce company that was acquired by SAP in October 2012 for $4.3 billion. Mr. Rubaie joined Ariba in August 2008, and played a significant role on the management team in building a high-growth and highly-profitable recurring global business. He was engaged in all areas of the business and helped contribute to significant growth and an increase in shareholder value, with Ariba's equity market capitalization increasing from approximately $400 million to over $4 billion at the time of the company's sale.

Prior to Ariba, Mr. Rubaie spent nearly eight years at Avery Dennison, a manufacturer of pressure sensitive materials, where he held various senior finance positions, the last one being a global division CFO where he was involved in all aspects of the multi-billion dollar business. Mr. Rubaie also spent nearly six years in various global finance leadership roles at BHP Billiton, a large natural resource company. Prior to his corporate experience, he spent six years in public accounting with both Coopers & Lybrand and Deloitte & Touche. Mr. Rubaie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Management from Albion College and a J.D. degree from University of Detroit School of Law.

Darren Guarnaccia, CSO

Darren guides the development of Sitecore’s global product strategy, and the company’s portfolio of solutions and technologies. In this role Darren offers a unique perspective: he’s been focused on building better customer experiences for his entire career. Darren serves a staunch advocate for customers and marketers, appraising every potential endeavor in the context of their benefit.

Darren views marketing as equal parts art and science, and strives to empower marketers with solutions that allow them to focus on the human element when creating memorable experiences. Sitecore’s highly integrated solutions reflect Darren’s belief that the best technology simplifies complexity, and lets marketers be marketers.

In leading product strategy, Darren works closely with Sitecore’s product management organization. His responsibilities additionally include corporate development (mergers and acquisitions), ISV partnerships and alliances, and analyst relations.

Prior to joining Sitecore, Darren was VP of product marketing at RedDot - The Open Text Web Solutions Group, a global web content management system (CMS) provider. He also has strong agency-side experience; Darren was chief technology officer at Whitehorse Studios, an interactive firm, and director of eBusiness operations at Emerald Solutions, an e-commerce solutions firm. Darren began his career as director of technology at Copper Mountain Trust/Crabbe Huson, a midsize financial company.

Darren received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Oregon State University. On weekends he can be found enjoying family life in Oregon wine country or watching movies in his man cave.

Steffen Andersen, CDO

Steffen is responsible for leading our innovative product management and software engineering groups with focus on delivering cutting edge and market leading products to our customers and partners.

Steffen has many years’ experience within the IT industry and from leading teams globally. He is an experienced manager and has held various C-level positions in global companies. Steffen has a proven track record in leading teams to develop and execute strategies in order to reach business goals.

The management skills together with the ability to break down strategies and a solid experience from the IT industry makes Steffen a valuable resource in fulfilling the ambitions of Sitecore and setting and executing the direction of our award winning products.